Weekend cold snap for south eastern Australia

09/07/2015

Residents and holidaymakers are advised to prepare for a burst of cold weather over the weekend which will see temperatures drop to zero in many locations in New South Wales and Victoria.

Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Regional Director Barry Hanstrum said the conditions were associated with a series of cold fronts that will begin moving through the state on Friday, and continue over the weekend.

“We’re expecting temperatures will plummet, winds will be fresh to strong, and snow will fall down to low elevations,” Mr Hanstrum said.

Temperatures are expected to drop to single digits or below zero across the south east during the nights and mornings. The fronts will bring snow to the Australian Alpine region on Saturday which will extend right along the Great Dividing Range on Sunday. This could include areas such as Orange, Lithgow, Jenolan Caves, Armidale, Glen Innes, and Barrington Tops.

Mr Hanstrum advised that anyone planning outdoor activities this weekend, such as bushwalking, camping, boating, and skiing, should keep a close eye on weather forecasts and warnings, and plan carefully for the cold conditions.

“Following a slow start to the snow season, this weather system could benefit snow enthusiasts with more snowfall expected in the Alps well into next week,” Mr Hanstrum said.

NSW SES Commissioner Adam Dent said that there were a range of things people should consider when snow is forecast for their area.

“Heavy snow can quickly make roads slippery and impassable, so if snow is forecast delay non-essential travel. Snow can bring down trees and branches, blocking roads and damaging property, so take the opportunity ahead of forecast snow to trim overhanging trees and branches and if isolation is likely, stock up on food, fuel, medicine and other essential items.”

Commissioner Dent added that snow can also cause power outages.

“In case power should fail, keep an emergency kit with battery powered torch and radio handy and if you do need emergency help, call the SES on 132 500 or 000 if it is a life-threatening emergency.”

For further information go to the Bureau's website for the latest Warnings and Forecasts.